Computerworld reports that alternative browser outfit Mozilla is having some "informal talks with mobile operators" about the planned mobile version of its Firefox browser.

Much as it did with the desktop Firefox browser, "Mozilla's mission is to break open a closed market," the article quotes Mozilla VP of engineering Mike Schroepfer as saying.

The article points out that some carriers don't like the idea of a free mobile browser because it upsets their walled gardens and can impact their revenue streams. Others, however, may well take advantage of the open source nature of Mozilla and make contributions to the mobile version of Firefox.

Mozilla expects to have the mobile browser available for embedded Linux and Windows Mobile devices by the end of the year.